Disney Channel will present a marathon of its newest hit, “Special Agent Oso,” an animated series for preschoolers starring Sean Astin, SATURDAY, JUNE 13 (6:00 – 10:00 a.m. ET/PT). The marathon will feature eight episodes, including the premiere of a new episode, “The Living Flashlight / Sand Castle Royale,” at 8:00 a.m. ET/PT. Online at PlayhouseDisney.com preschoolers can digitally paint their own Digi-Medals featured in the series and then submit their virtual creation for the opportunity to be highlighted on Disney Channel during the marathon.

“The Living Flashlight” – When Theo and Oliver find their flashlight isn’t working, Special Agent Oso leaves his Deep Sea Training Exercise to shed light on the problem.

LOS ANGELES – To celebrate the newly opened “American Idol Experience” attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Kris Allen shouted the famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” immediately after being crowned the newest “American Idol” in the show’s star-studded season finale on May 20, 2009 in Los Angeles.

Not only does the newly crowned Idol shout “I’m Going to Disney World!” at the spot’s conclusion, Allen’s voice also is featured throughout the ad as he performs the iconic song, “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

Hosted by Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), the show will consist of the celebrity guest and even a participant from the audience performing a live reading of the script as the sequence plays out on screen.

The first week’s celebrity guest will be James Arnold Taylor (Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi).

Wayne Allwine, only the third person to have ever voiced the American icon (following in the big yellow footsteps of Jimmy MacDonald and Walt Disney himself), passed away at the age of 62 on Monday, May 18 due to complications tied to diabetes. Allwine was married to Russi Taylor whom he met on the job as she is (fittingly enough) the voice of Mickey’s long time romantic partner, Minnie.

Disney has updated Allwine’s Legends page to reflect the unfortunate news. Both he and Taylor were named legends last year.

WASHINGTON, May 20 — Several of the nation’s top environmental groups, conservation organizations, and corporate leaders today released details of an agreement on policies aimed at protecting the world’s tropical forests. Ongoing burning and destruction of these forests is responsible for approximately one-fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions — more than all the world’s cars, trucks, planes, and ships combined.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla – Making a clear connection between itself and the recent “shine on” sightings in Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is sending prize patrols across the region to surprise, reward and recognize recipients of its Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grants and Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Stars programs. By May 22, the prize patrols will have distributed a total of $700,000 to worthy non-profit organizations and 15 awards to local students.

“We are celebrating our community by shining a spotlight on some very deserving non-profits and students who help make dreams come true in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk and Seminole counties,” says Eugene Campbell, vice president of Community Relations and Minority Business Development for Walt Disney World Resort. “Walt Disney World Resort is dedicated to building a better future for youth in Central Florida, and ultimately, a stronger community for us all.”

Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grants celebrate those who commit their time and talent to making a difference in the lives of Central Florida’s children. This year, Walt Disney World Resort is awarding grants to 34 Central Florida non-profit organizations that focus on children in four specific areas: connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development and compassion. Recipients are chosen by a panel of judges made up of Central Florida community leaders and Walt Disney World Cast Members. Continue reading…

As Stitch Kingdom reported earlier, D23 members who will be visiting Walt Disney World on May 31 are invited to a free Illuminations private viewing and dessert reception along with preferred seating to the final performance of this year’s Flower Power Concert Series featuring Tony Orlando.

D23 members may request one ticket for themselves and one additional guest. Theme park admission is not included in this offer and is required. Tickets will be available at Epcot’s Guest Relations beginning at 9 am on May 31st. A photo ID and your D23 membership card are required to pick up tickets. Event subject to change without notice.